- The power of a wave and a smile – the international language of friendship
- Seeing crazy scooter stuff like 5 people on a scooter, 10 year olds riding scooters, scooters piled high with stuff, scooters with crazy attachments, people riding along holding their helmets under their arm!! The list goes on…
- Finding you are no longer surprised at crazy scooter stuff after a while, in fact you come to expect it
- Friendly children, babies in slings tied onto their mothers, mothers working with kids in tow
- Learning new languages and connecting with people, finding you can ‘talk’.
- Finding yourself talking pidgin English, missing words out and using the present tense way too much
- Getting somewhere under you own steam and seeing buses pass you, sometimes the same bus several times over a few days
- Going to ‘tourist free’ places and meeting local people
- Seeing red chillies laid out on a mat, drying in the sun
- Being independent – backpackers are often at the mercy of buses, tuk tuks and boats, all weary on arrival
- Living cheaply and being self-sufficient
- Trusting people
- Traditional hill tribe women eating betel nuts that make their teeth and lips blood red as they chew
- Not knowing where you are going to sleep that night, but not worrying about it
- Trying different food and discovering just how much rice it is possible to eat in one day
- Fresh pineapple
- Cows with big floppy ears standing in the road, reluctant to move and slightly put out at you being there on their road
- Learning about the world, people, their stories, politics and culture
- Feeling you can do anything, go anywhere, trusting your instincts
- Nice feeling you get when you feel comfortable in a country and find you have relaxed
- Being in tune with the weather, reading the signs and being exposed to the elements
- Seeing giant golden buddha statues and brightly coloured, pristine temples in the most unexpected places
- Beautiful, shiny green paddy fields
- Cycling for 5 hours a day = plenty of time and space to think
- Weight loss, need I say more?!
Archive for the ‘Bali’ Category
25 things I love about cycle touring in Southeast Asia
Tuesday, October 12th, 2010
Accommodation, Dolphins and trekking in Lovina
Sunday, April 11th, 2010Lovina is situated in the north of Bali, close to the beach and forests. Here you can take a boat trip to see dolphins in the sea, a trek in the jungle to quiet swimming holes, beautiful waterfalls or a gentle walk taking in the surrounding countryside and rice terraces.
The Indonesian language podcast available on our site was produced with the help of Dodi Komang, who we can’t thank enough for his patience and kindness. Dodi works in a local homestay/hotel and restaurant and as a local trekking guide.
If you would like to see the dolphins or go trekking then Dodi Komang can organise group or private tours that can be tailor made to suit individuals needs, budget and time.
Dodi Komang can be found at the Mandhara Puri homestay and hotel. Mandhara Puri is a friendly relaxed place with cheap clean rooms starting from 70,000 Rp (low season) including breakfast. Madhara Puri can be found in Tukadmungga Kbu Gembong, Lovina on Anturan road. Close by there are many warungs, a health centre and internet cafes, Madhara Puri even has its on restaurant on site, with the beach 1 mins walk away.
Dodi Komang can also be contacted via email- dodikomang@yahoo.com Please contact him for uptodate prices.
